Observation
At IO-Exchange, we believe that user observations are the starting point for every design that we begin. IO-EX designers are seasoned observers of people and how they interact with the world and within a specific environment. We engage end users throughout the design process to evaluate the desirability of new ideas and possible solutions. Observing means carefully watching, carefully listening, carefully touching, and carefully smelling in order to ascertain a correct understanding of the situation at hand.

Brooding
After gathering information, we at IO-Exchange believe in clearly making sense of what we have just observed. That means sitting down and thinking. It’s that simple. It means collecting our thoughts.

Researching
In innovation, we understand that we as a company only build upon the previous rung in the ladder. In order to truly understand a specific area of focus, we research and review key principles that have already been established by others in a particular field. We seek out the leaders in that specific area of expertise and observe their skills, research, and outlook. That’s respect and appreciation. Then we begin.

Brainstorming
Brainstorming at IO-Exchange is both art and science. The rules are stenciled on the walls: "Be Visual. Defer judgment. Encourage Wild Ideas. Build on the Ideas of Others. Go for Quantity. One Conversation at a Time. Stay Focused on the Topic. Brainstorming is not just a good idea but an inexhaustible source of inspiration and fresh thinking. With our minds focused on the topic at hand, we begin to have our fun and invent.

Prototyping
Prototyping is the language of innovation and a way of life at IO-Exchange. Prototyping is problem-solving in three dimensions. You can prototype just about anything — a new product or service, a website or a new space. Ranging from simple proof-of-concept models to looks-like/works-like prototypes that are practically finished products, prototyping lets you fail early to succeed sooner.

Implementation
Implementation completes the cycle of ideation to drive the concept to its final form. All the possibilities have been evaluated, the prototypes validated and refined, and what's left is to do it. The project team performs detailed design, chooses partners if necessary, and works with the client to perform a timely and successful launch.